Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 2.djvu/404

 better stocked than those of France, and in many places even the natives possess improved ploughs.

The French are naturally the most numerous element in the rural districts. After the loss of Alsace and Lorraine, over one thousand expatriated families were provided with land, thanks to the contributions raised by the "ladies of France," and fifty-six villages were founded or enlarged for their reception. Most of these concessions, however, have already changed hands. The settlers become proprietors only on condition of residing five years on the plot assigned them by the

State. But during the decade which follows the distribution of land to the colonists, about half of them sell their share to others.

There still remain to be appropriated vast tracts, which belong to the Government under various titles, one of which, unfortunately, is that of sequestration pronounced against the tribes. But the process of concession hitherto adopted not only burdens the finances with a considerable yearly outlay, but also generally Proves more expensive to the colonists than if the concession had been purchased